Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Minnesota
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Minnesota
Food insecurity is a widespread problem in the United States, with people experiencing food insecurity in every single county in the nation. The nonprofit Feeding America describes food insecurity as "a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life."
Food insecurity hits children particularly hard. The USDA estimates that more than 5.5 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2021. Not having consistent access to enough food can affect cognitive abilities, overall health, moods, and attention spans—not to mention the psychological effects of living with scarcity.
Stacker compiled a list of counties in Minnesota with the highest rate of food insecure children using data from Feeding America. Counties are ranked by highest percent of children with food insecurity as of 2020. Minnesota has a child food insecurity rate of 9.3%, which ranks #4 lowest among all states.
States with the highest rate of food insecure children
#1. Louisiana: 21.5%
#2. New Mexico: 20.5%
#3. Mississippi: 20.4%
#4. Alabama: 19.8%
#5. Arkansas: 19.7%
States with the lowest rate of food insecure children
#1. North Dakota: 8.1%
#2. Massachusetts: 8.8%
#3. New Jersey: 9.0%
#4. Minnesota: 9.3%
#5. New Hampshire: 9.5%
Read on to see where food insecurity is most prevalent in Minnesota.
#50. Waseca County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.6% (460 total)
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (1,310 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $708,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (1,310 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $708,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
#49. Cottonwood County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.7% (290 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (930 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $443,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (930 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $443,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#48. Isanti County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.7% (1,010 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (2,810 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,484,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (2,810 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,484,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
#47. Otter Tail County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.8% (1,370 total)
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (4,260 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,992,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (4,260 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,992,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
#46. Red Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.8% (110 total)
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (320 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $169,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (320 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $169,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#45. Renville County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.9% (360 total)
--- 5.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (1,060 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $533,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 5.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (1,060 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $533,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#44. Blue Earth County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.0% (1,460 total)
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (5,670 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,035,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (5,670 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,035,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
#43. Traverse County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.0% (70 total)
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (260 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $135,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (260 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $135,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
#42. Lyon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.1% (730 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (2,000 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $988,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (2,000 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $988,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
#41. Roseau County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.1% (410 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.7% (1,030 total)
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $543,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.7% (1,030 total)
--- 5.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $543,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#40. Big Stone County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.2% (120 total)
--- 4.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (440 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $228,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
--- 4.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (440 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $228,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
#39. Rice County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.5% (1,660 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.4% (4,260 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,399,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.4% (4,260 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,399,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
#38. Norman County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.6% (180 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (500 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (500 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
#37. Benton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.7% (1,200 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (3,260 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,031,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (3,260 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,031,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
#36. Chippewa County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (330 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (980 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $493,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (980 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $493,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#35. Freeborn County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (800 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.6% (2,320 total)
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,215,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.6% (2,320 total)
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,215,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#34. Morrison County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.3% (970 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (2,830 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,399,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (2,830 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,399,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
#33. Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (230 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (870 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $463,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (870 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $463,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
#32. Polk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (950 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (2,730 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,439,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (2,730 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,439,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#31. Carlton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.5% (1,000 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (3,160 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,540,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (3,160 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,540,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#30. Faribault County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (380 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (1,150 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $602,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (1,150 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $602,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#29. Kandiyohi County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (1,310 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.8% (2,910 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,464,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.8% (2,910 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,464,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#28. Grant County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.7% (170 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (470 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $244,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (470 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $244,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
#27. Nobles County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (770 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.6% (1,420 total)
--- 5.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $676,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.6% (1,420 total)
--- 5.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $676,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#26. Stearns County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (4,750 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (12,640 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,474,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (12,640 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,474,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
#25. Hennepin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (35,590 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (94,710 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $60,993,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.00
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (94,710 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $60,993,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.00
#24. Watonwan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (340 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.4% (810 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $407,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.4% (810 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $407,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#23. Martin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (560 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (1,870 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,001,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (1,870 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,001,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.33
#22. Pennington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.2% (430 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (1,170 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $617,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (1,170 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $617,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#21. Swift County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.3% (280 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (840 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $422,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (840 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $422,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#20. Todd County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.4% (780 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (2,110 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,243,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.66
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (2,110 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,243,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.66
#19. Becker County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (1,120 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (2,910 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,580,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (2,910 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,580,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
#18. Mower County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.8% (1,390 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (3,360 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,634,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (3,360 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,634,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#17. St. Louis County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.8% (5,240 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (20,040 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,676,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (20,040 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,676,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
#16. Crow Wing County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9% (1,930 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (5,830 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,183,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (5,830 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,183,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
#15. Kanabec County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.0% (490 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,500 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $723,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,500 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $723,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#14. Cook County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.2% (120 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (520 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $282,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (520 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $282,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.36
#13. Hubbard County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (650 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (1,970 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,015,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (1,970 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,015,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
#12. Lake of the Woods County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.7% (110 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (270 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $132,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (270 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $132,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#11. Pine County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.0% (860 total)
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (3,010 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,480,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (3,010 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,480,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
#10. Koochiching County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.7% (350 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,300 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $639,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,300 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $639,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
#9. Itasca County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.9% (1,490 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,760 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,338,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,760 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,338,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.05
#8. Mille Lacs County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.4% (1,020 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (2,680 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,291,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (2,680 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,291,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#7. Beltrami County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (1,980 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (5,340 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,617,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (5,340 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,617,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#6. Clearwater County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (370 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,080 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $529,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,080 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $529,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#5. Wadena County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.9% (590 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (1,550 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $799,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (1,550 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $799,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
#4. Ramsey County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (21,620 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (51,980 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $31,763,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.80
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (51,980 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $31,763,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.80
#3. Aitkin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.9% (470 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (1,730 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $944,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (1,730 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $944,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
#2. Cass County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.3% (1,130 total)
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (3,180 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,799,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (3,180 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,799,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
#1. Mahnomen County
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.3% (440 total)
--- 9.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.1% (890 total)
--- 4.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $483,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
--- 9.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.1% (890 total)
--- 4.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $483,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
